Peace and Welcome! This blog is intended to be a manifestation of my thoughts and reflections on articles or topics I find inspiring. All of this, God willing, is formed with a pure intention to be a part of the Quest for the Divine...Sisters and Brothers, let's blog on!

Bismillah!

Saturday, November 18, 2006

The pea is a splendid plant. It proudly displays its strong green Hijab. It protects it from the hot and cold weather and guards it from insects. Allah has blessed the pea with a special Hijab, because without it, the seeds would scatter, dry up and die.

The orange keeps itself within its shiny orange Hijab to protect its delicious fruit. Otherwise it-looses its taste too.

So are the banana, the coconut and the pomegranate. Each one has an elegant and unique Hijab, which protects it from disease and destruction.

The jewel of the sea, the pearl, has been given a very tough and rugged Hijab - oyster shell. It protects it from sea animals and keeps it sparkling and shining inside.

However, the most beloved of Allah in all His creation is the Muslim girl who wears the Hijab. She knows it is a gift from Allah. It protects her from harm, injury and mischief. She wears it knowing it gives her dignity, beauty and respect. So precious she can be that she hides herself beneath her Hijab.

"Allah does not look at your body and face; rather he looks at your heart" [at-tirmidhi]

"Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty......And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what ordinarily appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms...." (Qur'an 24:30-31)

"The world is prison for the believer and paradise for the disbeliever" [Muslim]

"O Prophet, tell your wives and daughters and the believing women that they should cast their outer garments over their bodies (when abroad) so that they should be known and not molested" (Qur'an 33:59).

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

Two Muslim girls in a classroom - one wearing a Hijab; the other one without.The girl with no scarf - eager to have a laugh began to gossip and shout…

“Take off your headscarf - lets see the length of your hair…Go on just this once - it’s only a dare!”The girl with the Hijab looked back and proudly replied…“There is no chance that I’ll let 14 devils float by my side”

The other girl scoffed still wanting to have fun…“So you’re prepared to roast under the burning sun??”“Yes - because the heat right now means nothing to me;It is the hell fire which is extremely scary”

Girl with no scarf - still wanting to say more…“Why are you wearing it? What is the purpose for?”“Allah will keep evil and punishment away from me….This Hijab is there in my life for security…I love and value my faith - which is why I cover my head”Smiling the girl in the Hijab had said.

The other girl tensed - but not showing she’s feeling bad….“Why not show everyone your beauty - once you have, you’ll feel ever so glad!”“The beauty is inside me - where Islam is growing in my heart……appreciating Allah is the way for a happy start!”

At this point, the girl with no Hijab had nothing else left to say…She knew that the other girl was always joyful and confident each and every day.She realised that this Sister in Hijab will always remain pure and never will walk in shame….The girl with no scarf knew she wanted to be exactly the same.

This is why, when she went home - she made a very big decision.She realised that loving Allah can put you in such a wonderful position.In the classroom, the next day - this girl was wearing her Hijab for the first ever time - feeling so proud…Looked at the other girl whom she had made fun of before had said out loud…

“Oh sister of Islam - forgive me for the things I have said….Seeing the love you hold for our religion has today made me cover my head…Your sweet and caring words that you so dearly expressed…Made me see how Islam has given you so much respectI know that Allah will gift those who follow Islam….Wearing my Hijab - I know that I will be safe from any harm.

Thank you My Sister - for you who I now admire and congratulateTogether as Muslims, we should aim to reach Jannat’s Gates.”

The first girl - amazed, had happiness all over her faceSmiled with love and gave the Sister a lot of praise."Marshallah Sister – Indeed Allah will purify your heart and your deen…Continue love for our faith and in Heaven we will be seen…Wearing the Hijab – we will always stay as the 'RespectedGirl'....And to Allah we will be known as the 'Concealed Pearl!'

********

ByNazma Begum

Sisters, forward this poem to everyone and let us appreciate our identity.We should be so proud of who we are and what gift our Creator has given us. Let us value our Hijab and work towards getting a place in Akeraat - Inshallah!Remember, when we take one step close to Allah - Allah takes 10 steps closer to us.Let us fulfill the Right Path and that is bringing the Muslim Ummah together to followISLAM....

I dream that I went to Heaven and an angel was showing me around. We walked side-by-side inside a large workroom filled with angels.

My angel guide stopped in front of the first section and said, "This is the Receiving Section. Here, all petitions to God said in prayer are received."

I looked around in this area, and it was terribly busy with so many angels sorting out petitions written on voluminous paper sheets and scraps from people all over the world.

Then we moved on down a long corridor until we reached the second section. The angel then said to me, "This is the Packaging and Delivery Section. Here, the graces and blessings the people asked for are processed and delivered to the living persons who asked for them." I noticed again how busy it was there. There were many angels working hard at that station, since so many blessings had been requested and were being packaged for delivery to Earth.

Finally at the farthest end of the long corridor we stopped at the door of a very small station. To my great surprise, only one angel was seated there, idly doing nothing. "This is the Acknowledgment Section," my angel friend quietly admitted to me. He seemed embarrassed "How is it that? There's no work going on here?" I asked. "So sad," the angel sighed. "After people receive the blessings that they asked for, very few send back acknowledgments.

As salaamu Alaikum,I was sitting before fajr one day thinking why I can’t cry. I feel sad that I am lazy and procrastinating. I feel sad that others are suffering and I am not helping or even supplicating. I feel deeply connected to the Shayks speech and was even motivated. Are tears only for the pure. Trying to keep my intention for this reflecting and follow through on this inspirational moment and having thankfulness for His gifts but... the movie that I last saw kept creeping into my thoughts. And I said to myself I finally believe in the way TV is a shaytaanic device. The TV memories was keeping me from keeping my train of thought solely on Allah subhanna wa ta Allah. I was again disappointed but glad to finally give priority to Allah and see my error. I only pray that we all hold fast to this deen. Ameen. This is the poem that followed those moments, Bismillah...

I’d CryBy Halima Nalo Afi

I can’t cry All the gratefulness and patience in my heart is dry

I can’t feelAll the mercifulness and vigilance of limbs are only surrealOnly connection to intricacies of life is on the TV or video reel

I’d cry if I had to shareWhoever I attempt to provide for or give generously I resentThe only way to please me is to reciprocate with a present

I’d cry if I had to accept moderationI must refill with a material gain or powerI appreciate the finer things, if not a rose then no flowers

I’d cry if I had to live without hatredWho ever hates I enjoy them for it only stimulates me to instigateNo tragedy in an argument only a chance to litigate

I’d cry if I couldn’t say hurtful things to othersWhoever stands in my way will receive great harm one way or another I lash out at others and if you want me to apologize I don’t even bother

I’d cry if I had to go on living this wayOnly the consistency of ibadaat will bring tears for me to batheOnly the turning away from making partners with Allah will bring Angels by the wavesOnly way to climb out of cravings of the nafs is to fast for the sake of AllahInshAllah, my heart will submitIn the actions of Rasulullah find benefitPut my head on the earth and repentBefore my life in this world is spent…

I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall.

The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like, "Official Interrogator" or "Town Registrar."

"What is your occupation?" she probed. What made me say it, I do not know...

The words simply popped out.

"I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations."

The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair, and looked up as though she had not heard right. I repeated the title slowly, emphasizing the most significant words. Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.

"Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest, "just what you do in your field?"

Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply, "I have a continuing program of research, (what mother doesn't), in the laboratory and in the field, (normally I would have said indoors and out). I'm working for my Masters, (the whole darned family), and already have four credits, (all daughters). Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities, (any mother care to disagree.?.) and I often work 14 hours aday, (24 is more like it). But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are more.

There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.

As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants - ages 13, 7, and 3. Upstairs I could hear our new experiment, (a 6 month old baby), in the child-development program, testing out a new vocal pattern.

I felt triumphant! I had scored a beat on bureaucracy! And I had gone on the official recordsas someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than "just another mother."

Motherhood.....What a glorious career!

Especially when there's a title on the door. Does this make:

Grandmothers: "Senior Research Associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations"?Great grandmothers: "Executive Senior Research Associates"? I think so!!!

Aunts: "Associate Research Assistants".

Mothers should be appreciated not just by their own kind but by everyone.

"Who is better in speech than the one who calls (mankind) to Allah, works righteousness and says 'I am of those who bow in Islam'".41:33

Today in our small online class with Mufti Abdurrahman, we came across a really interesting hadith related by Tirmidhi in his book of Da'waat. Basically: whenever a person feels an opening in their heart to make du'aa, the doors of acceptance, mercy or [the doors of] Jannah have been opened (for his du'aa). Subhan'Allah. Isn't that amazing?!

Another fascinating point is that when Ibrahim (as) as a 16 year old boy was about to be thrown into the fire kindled by his people, Jibra'eel (as) came to him and asked if he could do anything, and Ibrahim (as) replied "I do not have any need for you." Jibra'eel (as) responded "Then ask your Lord" upon which Ibrahim (as) poetically stated"Hasbi fi su'aali 'ilmuhu bi haali" (Allah Ta'ala's knowledge of my condition is sufficient for my du'aa) that Allah (saw) knows the condition of my heart, what I require and what I desire, thus there is no need for me to voice it to the All Hearer, the All knowing. And due to that yaqin and beautiful answer, nothing burned of Ibrahim (as) when his people placed him in the fire. Subhan'Allah!

From that there were different rulings/difference of opinions as to when a person should or should not ask Allah swt for personal (worldy) wishes, and the view that stuck out the most to me was that whatever du'aa contains something for the Haqq of Allah (swt), then ask your Lord in du'aa (verbalize it), but if it is for one's self, then it is loftier to remain silent and leave it up to Allah (swt).

This was studied in the end section of Mullah Ali al Qari's (ra) "Al Fiqh Al Akbar."

IslamicPoetry.org Presents 1st Annual InternationalPraise the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) Poetry Competition Submission Deadline has been changed to November 30th, 2006The entry fee for each submisstionhas been waived.

Adult Category 1st Prize: Up to $1,000 US for an airfare to the homeland of the Prophet (Makkah & Madinah, Saudi Arabia) or $800 in cash/gift package

Teen Category 1st Prize: Up to $1,000 US for an airfare to the homeland of the Prophet (Makkah & Madinah, Saudi Arabia) or $800 in cash/gift package

Friday, November 03, 2006

04/26/06All Jamba Juice products are not Halal except All fruit Smoothies Grape Escape, Mega Mongo and Raspberry Rainbow. Strawberry whirl all fruit smoothies is not Halal because due to presence of Non Halal or Kosher certified apple juice. All other products are made with non Halal or Kosher certified ingredients according to the company.

I spoke with the webmaster of the Muslim Consumer groups website and asked him why does apple juice have to be halal or kosher certified?! He said because sometimes they use gelatin in one of their processing steps, so you must look for an "o" or "u" symbol on any apple juice that you buy (which indicates its kosher so its okay).

Subhan'Allah! May Allah swt increase us in taqwa and in doing such deeds which please Him and may He grant us abundant tawfiq and accept it from us!

Thursday, November 02, 2006

This is an email I received. It is still being verified, but there is good advice/precautionary measures prescribed that all Muslimahs can heed, insha'Allah.

Salam `alaykum everyone,

I just got some VERY serious and VERY scary news:

"Just learned from a well known Muslim social worker, Nabila Mango, that a Muslim female Yemeni who wears hijab has been missing for two days in San Francisco . They believe she was abducted. The situation has started a scare in the City where many Muslim women in hijab are not going out. This happened outside of the Tenderloin area so it may not have anything to do with a hate crime but no one believes this. The woman has two children and is 5mos pregnant. The police have no leads at this point." (Maha ElGenaidi--ING)

May Allah (swt) protect this sister wherever she is and bring her back safely to her family soon. AMEEN. Ya Allah, those of us who wear hijab or niqab must take SERIOUS precaution during these very dangerous times. I am so troubled, as I'm sure all of you are, by this news as well as the recent tragedy of sister Alia (Allah yarHamha). I feel it is IMPERATIVE that we start a major campaign to hijabis, and all identifiable Muslim women, across the Bay Area that they need to take EXTRA measures to safeguard themselves.

Here are some tips that I've come up with:

1) DO NOT go out at night, and if you must please do NOT go anywhere ALONE.

3) DO NOT talk on the cell phone while you drive at night, be vigilant about your environment at ALL TIMES. Talking on the cell phone will distract you from the person stopped next to you at the red light or someone who may be following you. Check your mirrors frequently and if you notice ANY hostile behavior from another driver, DO NOT drive home. Rather, go to the nearest well-lit public place you can find and immediately call the police.

4) DO NOT park your car, whether it is at a shopping center or in a housing area, far from where you are going. If possible wait for a closer space OR (if going to someone's house) call someone (preferrably a male) to come and meet you in the parking lot and walk you inside.

5) INVEST in a pepper spray PLEASE. They are only $4.99 (or something like that) at Fry's Electronics and they attach to your keychain.

6) Walk all the way around your car and make sure everything is clear before getting in. And always LOCK your car doors, when you get out and when you get in.

7) And this last tip is of the UTMOST importance, PLEASEEEEEEEEEE by Allah (swt) I beg you to take my advice and invest in TWO very important articles of clothing. Just $20 could make a difference, please get these items NOW:

a) a BASEBALL CAP. These can be bought pretty much anywhere nowadays. I would suggest getting a cheap one from Walmart or any other such store.

b) a HOODED SWEATSHIRT (or hoodie) with a zipper in the front.

NO matter what your personal style (i.e. if you wear jilbab, niqab, abayas or if you wear western clothing) these two pieces are easy to put on and remove whenever you are out alone, especially while driving in your car. They will NOT cost you much and could potentially save your life. All you have to do is loosely throw the baseball cap over your hijab, without fastening the band in the back so you don't ruin your existing hijab and then wear the hooded sweatshirt and raise the hood over the cap. This is a matter of being as inconspicuous as possible while protecting the honor of your hijab. I do NOT suggest wearing any other types of hats as most can obstruct your view and could prove dangerous in other ways, especially while driving.

We have to act fast and take these precautions right away. Please sisters, do NOT become negligent or take these incidents lightly. We must act and act QUICKLY. May Allah (swt) preserve all of you and protect every Muslim, male and female, from the evils of this world.

We must work together and stand firm, proud of our hijab, and take preventative measures such as the ones mentioned above to protect ourselves. Please keep the sister mentioned above in your duahs...if I hear anything further I'll let you know as soon as possible!

Subhan'Allah--it deeply saddens me to see this type of misunderstanding, hate, fear and intolerance displayed by our fellow citizens. May Allah (swt) grant guidance to all and allow an atmosphere of understanding, cooperation and respect to bloom in order to weed out such destructive ignorance. Ameen.islamophobia

I am greatly disturbed about the U.S. Postal Service supporting Islam with stamps recognizing two Islamic holidays. We just purchased two from a post office in Spartanburg. One postal worker didn't even know about them.

Why is the U.S. Postal Service giving this kind of support to this group when there are Islamic extremists who would like to see this country wiped off the face of the Earth? We should boycott the stamps. Would you please write about this disgraceful stamp supplied by the U.S. Postal Service?

Robert LittleInman

ACTION REQUESTED:

ASK POST OFFICES TO STOCK EID STAMPS

CAIR is asking members of the American Muslim community to contact local postmasters and request that they stock the stamp commemorating Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha that were re-issued on October 6, 2006, as part of the "Holiday Series." In past years, there have been reports that the Eid stamp was unavailable in some post offices.

ACTION REQUESTED:

1. CONTACT your local postmaster TODAY to request that he or she stock the "Eid stamp."

2. BUY AND USE Eid stamps for all your mailing needs.

Post offices may be located and stamps may be ordered through the United States Postal Service website.

JEDDAH, 31 October 2006 — “It was done out of respect for Islam — out of affection for the Muslim community...but of concern too, especially about their future in our society,” said Blackburn MP and former British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw recently while speaking to his local newspaper the Lancashire Evening Telegraph.

As someone born and bred in Preston (a 15-minute drive from Straw’s constituency), I’ve always considered Blackburn to be like a second home; after all my in-laws live there. In my opinion, Blackburn isn’t exactly an absolutely attractive place to live, but I have to say the Whalley Range area of the old textile town has some fantastic mouth-watering kebab houses and my in-laws have a tendency to give me a warm welcoming whenever I go down. Not to mention the fine food they cook at their home.

My wife wears the niqab and loves Blackburn. It was after all she who inculcated in me a deep love for the town. A total Blackburn-maniac, my wife and I have regular amusing and animated discussions of whether living in Blackburn is better or Preston. In fact, over the years I’ve ended up making a lot of friends in the town, many of them Muslims who, being diehard Blackburn Rovers supporters, love the town and consider it home.

About Me

Born and raised in Northern California, Shamira Chothia Ahmed is an emerging young female scholar of the traditional Islamic sciences. Her studies led her to seek sacred knowledge from scholars on three continents — Africa, Europe, and Asia. Upon receiving ijaazas (authorizations) to teach from renowned scholars in various Islamic disciplines, she was granted the opportunity to be an instructor of Hanafi fiqh for women at the Zaytuna Institute in Hayward, California. Privately, she taught fiqh (jurisprudence), tajwid (cantillation) and Qur'anic tafsir (exegesis). Ustadha Shamira gives lectures across the U.S. to various female audiences.